About the Thanjavur Museums :

When we trace the history of the Church in India, it is as old as Christianity itself. St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ brought the Good News of God's Salvation to India. We have quite a few evidences to believe that St. Thomas preached the Gospel in the East and West coast of South India especially in Madras (Chennai) and in the present State of Kerala. From this broad perspective it is very interesting to note the history of the Diocese of Thanjavur. In 1953, the Diocese of Thanjavur was bifurcated from the Diocese of Mylapore which was established in 1606. Mylapore was the second biggest diocese in India. The Padruado Missionaries by their able leadership and dedicated service led this diocese towards the omega point i.e., "Christ" by bringing many more souls to the Catholic Church. In 1950 Mylapore came under the direct jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Propagation of Faith.

Chola, Chera and Pandya kings were ruling Tamizhagam even before Mahabharat period. Chola kingdom was leading and patronizing literature, art, science and religion than the other two kingdoms. The capital city of Chola was always changing. Thiruvarur was the capital during Manuneethi Cholan. Kaveripoompattinam was the capital after that and was an important harbour. Uraiyur, Pazhaiyarai, Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram used to be the capitals of Chola Kingdom. Its been believed from the Epics that many Chola kings were ruling from Thanjavur even before Karikal Cholan.Historian believe that Thanjavur was captured by Vijayalaya Cholan (AD 846-880) from Perumpidugu Muttaraiyan. From then till Rajaraja Cholan, Thanjavur was flourishing. Chola kings were ruling till 13th Century AD with Thanjavur as their capital. Rajendra Cholan, Rajarajan's son moved the Chola capital to Gangaikonda Cholapuram. After that Chola Kingdom was declining and the Pandya Kings captured Thanjavur.

Some Museums In Thanjavur :

Saraswathi Mahal Library Museum :
One of the most important oriental manuscript collections in India, closed to the public, but by scholars from all over the world. Over eighty percent of its 44,000 manuscripts are in Sanskrit, many on palm-leafs, and some very rare or even unique.

Nayak Durbar Hall Art Museum and Rajaraja Chola Museum :
Contains magnificent collection of Chola Bronzes-all discovered locally -fills the Nayak Durbar Hall Art Museum and next door, the Rajaraja Cholan Museum houses Chola stone sculpture etc.